Book Review: Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, #8) by Kresley Cole
After a deliberate hiatus from the Immortals After Dark series, I finally dove back into Kresley Cole’s captivating world with Pleasure of a Dark Prince. I rolled the dice and stocked up on several installments, cautiously prepared to sidestep spoilers while I re-immersed myself in the lore. Thankfully, this book was worth the wait, and oh, what a delightful plunge it was!
The story unfolds with Garreth MacRieve, our besotted Lykae hero, chasing after Lucia, a Valkyrie who can’t help but smolder with attraction for him—despite her best efforts to maintain distance. I relished the trope of the persistent hero, and Garreth’s dedication made my heart flutter. However, I found myself dismayed to discover that Lucia was married. Cheating is a pet peeve of mine, and while I understood the context of a series revolving around pagan immortals, it left an uncomfortable twinge in my heart. I eventually chose to view her marriage as uninspired and unacceptable, leading to a gratifying emotional resolution by the end of the story.
What truly stood out was Cole’s exquisite writing style. Each page radiated heat: I was literally gripping the book on the elliptical, trying (and failing) to focus on my workout. The sizzling scenes of foreplay were masterfully crafted, teasing readers with an anticipation that culminated in memorable, steamy moments. The adventure aspect further immersed me; I was spellbound during their trek through the Amazon, facing monstrous creatures and cannibalistic gods that heightened my excitement.
I adored Lucia’s character development. Cole made her distinct among her Valkyrie sisters—Lucia’s serious nature, archery skills, and emotional struggles made her relatable. I admired how she grappled with her obligations while ultimately finding the courage to pursue love, demonstrating that her feelings for Garreth were far deeper than mere lust. I went from feeling neutral about her to genuinely rooting for her in a heartbeat.
Garreth was everything a devoted hero should be: sexy, sweet, and tough. His journey towards protecting Lucia despite significant challenges tugged at my heartstrings. Their connection felt palpable, and Cole’s world-building left me in awe of the incredible creatures and captivating lore that populated their universe.
As I closed the book, I was tinged with excitement for what lies ahead. The ending hinted at more compelling adventures—and oh, that epilogue! It left me ravenous for the next installment. In short, Pleasure of a Dark Prince delivered everything I craved: romantic tension, fierce battles, and layered characters.
Would I recommend this series? Absolutely! If you adore paranormal romance filled with adventure and a hint of cheeky humor, dive in. Kresley Cole has crafted a gripping escapade that not only entertains but also resonates deeply, igniting a longing for more. As for me? I’ll be diving straight into the next book, ready for whatever twists await!
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